05/22/2010 - Driving School @ Shenandoah

[webmaster]

May 21-23 - Shenandoah Circuit

Registration through Motorsportreg.com

[Jim Dunlap]

I can read the words (did so more than once), but nevertheless need some clarifications, please. On-line vs snail mail postmark references have me confused. So, we register via Motorsports site starting a second or two after 9am on the registration opening date, right? But the text refers to postmarks (i.e., the mention of deciding who is first in line for over-subscription situations). Of course my point of reference is the two stage, "old" Drivers School system. Can we get a clarification about the "new" system...will it be ALL on-line (apart from mailing a check)? And we don't even start until early April? Thanks.

[1996 328ti]

2010 registration instructions will be updated.

[Jim Dunlap]

Thanks...much appreciated.

[DougV]

2010 PRICE DECREASE! Shenandoah School is now $185/day!*

The National Capital Chapter (NCC) operates two types of driving schools: Drivers' Schools and Car Control Clinics. *While the methods of instruction and the target audience for these schools differ, they share a common goal of giving*you the opportunity to develop and improve your skills as a driver and to strengthen your knowledge of your car's abilities so that you will be prepared for any situation you may encounter on the highway.

Our schools are not racing schools. *Our focus is on skills, not speed, and our overriding concern is with your safety and that of your car. *We select our school instructors very carefully, not simply for their technical knowledge and accomplishments as drivers, but also for their abilities to impart that knowledge to their students in a clear, concise, and professional manner.

Your BMW is an amazingly capable car. *At a National Capital Chapter driving school, you will be able to realize your car's capabilities, learn the limits of those capabilities under controlled conditions and practice the skills needed to control your car safely within those limits.*

Drivers' Schools

The primary goal of these schools is to develop and hone your car-control skills. *It is not to drive fast, although speed will come with improving skills. *We seek to produce not necessarily the fastest, but the most proficient drivers possible.

Each drivers' school consists of driving sessions on the track and at the skidpad, as well as classroom sessions. *During your on-track sessions, you will be driving the full track at progressively higher speeds throughout the school. *An in-car instructor will work with you to help you improve your driving mechanics. *Braking, cornering *and accelerating techniques are refined continuously during your on-track sessions.

Skidpad sessions will allow you to begin to master the skill of controlling your car at the limits of adhesion. You will learn how to control understeer (when your front tires lose adhesion) and oversteer (when your rear tires lose adhesion). *The skills learned here will not only be invaluable on the track, they may well save your car - and your life - on the highway.

Classroom sessions present the underlying mechanics of your car's behavior and how your inputs as a driver affect it. *We present basic driving theory, the physics of car behavior (i.e., the "why it works" of driving) and discussions of the techniques of advanced car control.

No single drivers' school will ever convey all there is to learn about driving. *In this sense, our drivers' schools are part of a continuous learning environment, one that requires several years of attendance at dozens of schools before proficiency is attained. *Even at that, there is always something more to learn, something additional on which to work. *Acquiring driving skills is a process that is never completed.

About Our Instructors

Our instructors come from two basic driving backgrounds: accomplished drivers' school students and successful amateur (e.g., SCCA) racers. *Regardless of their backgrounds, our instructors conform to a uniformly high standard of competence, professionalism and enthusiasm for teaching.

Candidates selected from our student roster have a documented record of achievement. *Candidates applying from a racing background must have comparable skills and experience. *We note that the requirements for a successful racer and those for a successful instructor are not necessarily the same, as the sole ability to drive fast is about the most minor qualification we seek in an instructor. *Therefore, as part of the qualification process, we apply a series of student instruction simulations (using our instructors as the "students") to ensure that the candidate understands not only how to drive, but how to teach as well. *We also ensure that candidates display impeccable attitude and driving etiquette and are successful in making the transition from "race-mode" to "school-mode."

Our current instructors' driving experience ranges from five years to twenty-five years. *Our "average" instructor has been driving on the track for 11.5 years and has been instructing for 6 years. *We draw our instructors from twelve BMW CCA chapters, the SCCA, PCA, and other marque clubs. *We select our instructors very carefully to ensure that every student receives the best possible instruction from the safest, most professional and most knowledgeable people we can find. *We are very proud of our instructor corps and we trust that you will share that pride.




This event offers online registration and payment through MotorsportReg.com.

More...

[lenhart1]

Does this school have the class that allows convertibles without roll cages? (HPDE?)

[1996 328ti]

Does this school have the class that allows convertibles without roll cages? (HPDE?)

No BMW CCA DEs allow convertibles without approved rollbars. Sorry.

[kokyudoza]

Is this a BMW only event, or can someone with any brand of car that qualifies take the course? My girl doesn't drive a stick or a Bimmer, but definitely needs the class! (Me too, but I've got the BMW). Thanks!

[prentissra]

Other cars are allowed at HPDEs. I have seen everything from a Toyota Camry to a Posche GT3 at the track.

[woodym3]

No BMW CCA DEs allow convertibles without approved rollbars. Sorry.

And many BMWCCA chapters, including the National Capital, do not allow convertibles even with rollbars/rollcages.

Use of a BMW is not required.

[kokyudoza]

Thanks! My girl needs more experience with her Corolla. Chees!-Nick

[thomaslynn]

Any special requirements for cars participating? Basically am I going to need to have anything on the car safety wired, or anything else in order to get through safety inspection?

I see this on motoreg:
"Cars must be inspected by a qualified service facility before the event. A properly completed tech inspection form (supplied) must be presented at the track. It is your responsibility to ensure that your car is safe and roadworthy."

On you typical new 335i would there be any changes necessary during the inspection?

[1996 328ti]

Any special requirements for cars participating? Basically am I going to need to have anything on the car safety wired, or anything else in order to get through safety inspection?

I see this on motoreg:
"Cars must be inspected by a qualified service facility before the event. A properly completed tech inspection form (supplied) must be presented at the track. It is your responsibility to ensure that your car is safe and roadworthy."

On you typical new 335i would there be any changes necessary during the inspection?

I would replace your brake fluid but other than that you should be OK once you get your car tech'd.
Does your 335 have an oil cooler?
Contact David Ortiz (Chief Tech Inspector) at odortiz@yahoo.com if you have further questions.

[Roy]

When does registration open?

[thomaslynn]

Yea, have the oil cooler and the fluids are fresh. Is there some list of qualified service facilities?